Just as Ash expected, Oak exploded with enthusiasm for Meowth. After all, this was the first time he had ever encountered a Pokémon capable of learning human speech!
Aligning perfectly with Ash's ideas, Professor Oak utilized Meowth as a special research assistant and translator to communicate with other Pokémon. He even introduced Meowth to other Professors across various regions so they could consult him for their research problems.
Of course, since Meowth was officially Ash's Pokémon, he had a clock-out time to head home, just like a normal job.
"Professor, I'm here to pick up Meowth. If possible, please try not to overwork him."
Whenever Ash's voice rang out at the lab, a chorus of wails would erupt from the video monitors. The other researchers' translator was leaving for the day.
Seeing Ash arrive, Meowth would wave at the camera. "My boss is here to pick me up, meow! If you need anything else, talk to me tomorrow, meow!"
"Nooo! Meowth! Just one more favor! Just one!"
Looking at the wailing Professor Rowan on the screen, Ash tapped the communicator and said, "Professor Rowan, it's Meowth's quitting time. Let him rest. Let's go, Meowth, time for dinner."
"You got it, Boss, meow."
With his boss's word being final, Meowth happily skipped out of the lab, leaving the Oak Research Institute filled with the sounds of disappointed researchers.
"Boss, what's on the menu today, meow?"
"I've got fish for you. For Pichu, I made some lasagna, and for Happiny, I ordered some fresh Moomoo Milk."
Meowth's mouth began to water immediately. "Can I try some of that Moomoo Milk, meow? I heard it's way better than regular milk, meow."
"Pi!" Pichu tugged at Ash's shirt, indicating he wanted some too.
Looking at his two greedy partners, Ash laughed and wiped the drool from their chins. "Alright, you gluttons. I bought plenty, so it's fine. Just make sure to leave enough for Happiny."
"Awesome, meow!"
"Pichu!"
Seeing them cheer, Ash's smile widened.
Back at home, Delia had already set the table. Meowth and Pichu hopped into their seats, while Ash took the waving Happiny from his mother's arms and sat down.
Delia watched Ash with the baby Pokémon and smiled. "Happiny is really attached to you, Ash."
"Well, I was the first thing she saw when she hatched. It's only natural. I just want to make sure she's well-cared for. Here, Happiny, have some fresh Moomoo Milk."
As he fed her, he noticed she had habitually tucked a smooth, round stone into her pouch. He patted her head gently. "Don't pack too many stones in there, okay? Otherwise, I won't be able to carry you anymore."
The family dinner was warm and lively. Watching his mother chat with Meowth and Pichu while Happiny dozed off in his arms after a full meal, Ash couldn't help but think: 'This really is true happiness.'
Amidst these warm days, the time for the Pokémon Summer Camp arrived. Delia hoped Ash would make friends his own age, but instead, Ash spent most of his time hanging out with the wild Pokémon he was already well-acquainted with. As a result, he didn't interact much with the other kids.
However, there was one exception: a girl named Serena.
She had wandered off, gotten lost, and injured herself. Guided by the wild Pokémon who were fans of Ash's cooking, Ash eventually found her.
Seeing the crying Serena, Ash felt a bit helpless. But before he could act, little Happiny waddled forward and began comforting her. Distracted by the cute pink Pokémon, Serena slowly stopped crying. It was then she realized she was surrounded by Pokémon, with Ash, Meowth, and Pichu standing right in front of her.
"Feeling better? If you're okay, let's head back."
"Okay... Um, you're Ash, right? I'm Serena..."
"I know. Can you walk?"
Serena tried to move, but her leg throbbed with pain. Seeing this, Ash knew she couldn't make it on her own. He crouched down. "Get on. I'll carry you back. Don't mind my friends; they're just being protective of me."
Serena's face flushed red as she climbed onto his back. "Thank you..."
"No problem. Just be more careful next time. You might not always be this lucky."
With a pack of Pokémon clearing the path, Ash carried Serena back to the camp. The event ended successfully, though Serena looked back at Ash with a lingering gaze as she departed. Ash was teased relentlessly by Delia and Professor Oak for quite a while afterward.
And so, time marched on until Ash reached the age of 15—the day he would finally set off on his journey.